In May 2013, it was reported that there were an estimated 17,625 nuclear warheads in the arsenal of governments worldwide. The estimated number of warheads was down from the 19,000 at the beginning of 2012.

Russia has about 8,500 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, and the United States has 7,700. China is the only country in the world that was building up its nuclear arsenal in 2013. It was estimated that China increased its warheads by 10 in 2012, giving the country a total of about 250 nuclear warheads.

Source: Lily Kuo, “China is the only nuclear weapon state expanding its nuclear arsenal,” Quartz, June 3, 2013.

Between 1998 and 2012, the North Korea Government is estimated to have spent between $2.8 Billion and $3.2 Billion on its missile program. The amount of money spent on the missile program would have been able to feed the entire country with corn for 3 years.

Source: Jane Perlez, “Despite Risks, China Stays at North Korea’s Side to Keep the U.S. at Bay,” New York Times, December 13, 2012.

Between 2010 and November 2012, lawyers with the United States Department of Justice filed 8 cases against individuals and companies who were illegally trading with Iran. Prosecutors also report that more cases are being investigated but have remained sealed from the public due to its ongoing investigation.

The individual traders and companies have been based in Hong Kong and China and are illegally transporting materials in violation of international trade sanctions placed on Iran. According to the Department of Justice, materials sent to Iran include missile guidance systems, radio jammers, and materials that can be used in a nuclear weapons program.

A nuclear smuggling gang in Moldova offered an undercover group of police officers 9 kilograms of highly enriched uranium for $31 Million. Around 27 kilograms of highly enriched uranium is needed to make a “dirty bomb”.